X-Ray

An X-ray is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.
X-rays can produce diagnostic images of the human body on film or digitally that allow doctors to view and assess broken bones or other injuries.

X-rays are an important tool in guiding orthopedic surgery and in the treatment of sports-related injuries.

An X-ray may uncover more advanced forms of cancer in bones, although early screening for cancer findings requires other methods.

Planning for your X-ray procedure

Before
During
Before
  • You should inform your doctor about any recent illnesses or other medical conditions, as well as any allergies you might have to medications
  • Women should always inform the technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant
  • Small Bowel Series (this exam may take up to four hours): Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before

Upper G.I. or Esophogram

  • If your appointment is before 1:00 p.m.:
    • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before
  • If your appointment is after 1:00 p.m.:
    • Nothing to eat or drink six to eight hours prior to your appointment.

Barium Enema

A barium enema requires thorough cleansing of your colon. You must come in to pick up a prep kit at least three days before your exam date. It is important that you drink plenty of clear liquids during the prep and follow all instructions.

 

IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)

  • If your appointment is before 1:00 p.m.:
    • Clear liquids only on the day before your exam. Examples of a clear liquid include: coffee, tea, soda, water, gelatin, broth, hard candy, sports drink (such as Gatorade), popsicle and juice without pulp.
  • If your appointment is after 1:00 p.m.:
    • On the day before your exam, you may have a light breakfast before 10:00 a.m.  Following 10:00 a.m., clear liquids only.
  • At 2:00 p.m., ingest 2 oz. (4 Tbs.) castor oil or one full bottle of citrate of magnesium. Continue on a clear liquid diet only until appointment time. Examples of a clear liquid include: coffee, tea, soda, water, gelatin, broth, hard candy, sports drinks (such as Gatorade), popsicle and juice without pulp.
During
  • Fluoroscopy is generally painless
  • Depending on the type of fluoroscopic test you undergo, you will be asked to lie or stand between the x-ray machine and a fluorescent screen after putting on a gown
  • An x-ray scanner produces fluoroscopic images of the body part being examined
  • You may be re-positioned frequently to enable the radiologist or technologist to capture different views

Where’s the lead apron? FDA rescinds gonadal shielding. Read more

Bone x-ray scans predict fracture risk in psoriatic arthritis patients Read more

For more information, visit: Radiologyinfo.org X-ray